Artist Madison McCaulley displaying her work at Loaded Joe's in Avon this month

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Colorful, expressive, abstract, fun. That's how lifelong Eagle County resident Madison McCaulley describes her artwork. McCaulley is showing her framed artwork at Loaded Joe's in Avon this month. A variety of mediums, including paint, colored pencil and watercolor, are represented, though the pieces are mostly colored marker.An artist reception is set for Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. McCaulley took the time to answer a few questions for the Vail Daily.Vail Daily: What does art mean to you?Madison McCaulley: Art, to me, is about expression, fun and play. I believe we are all born artists; it is justa matter of showing your creative side to others. I think so many people are afraid of what others may think. Art is the lens into the human spirit. Celebrate your creative side; don't hide it. VD: When did you want to become an artist? MM: I believe everyone is born as a creative spirit, but we each grow up and follow our own paths. I decided I wanted to take on art as a career about three year ago. I received my master's in painting in December 2011. I am so happy I decided to follow my passion for the arts, in particular for painting. Now I am making art in a studio over in Gypsum and working at an awesome art gallery in Beaver Creek during the day. VD: What inspires you to create? What sort of mood do you have to be in?MM: The environment around me inspires me to paint. I am working on a new series of large, colorful mountain landscape paintings. The Colorado mountain landscape we live in is very inspiring for me to paint during any time of year or any time of day. I enjoy creating the many textures and shapes found in the world we live in. I am always in the mood to paint. Art is like an addiction for me, but better; it's my passion. I want to share the joy I get from painting with others around me. If I didn't have to pay my bills, I would paint all the time. Or when there is snow, I will ski. VD: Why did you choose the medium that you work with, or did it choose you? MM:The mediums I like to work with are all about color. I like paint the best because it works the best to getthe best result I like. I love mixing my own colors and layering them. I also like to use oil pastels, colored markers, colored pencils and watercolor. VD: If I could meet any artist who would it be and what would you talk about? MM: I would want to meetartist Clyfford Still. I went to the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver a few weeks ago (I would highly recommend it). It was a very inspiring exhibit for me. I would love to talk to Clyfford about abstract expressionist painting.